What is the Menton Lemon Festival in France?

Fête du Citron
The Fête du Citron is a carnival event organised by the tourist office of the city of Menton, France, and held every year at the end of winter. It is also sometimes called Carnaval de Menton (Carnival of Menton). The festival celebrates the annual production of specialty lemons and other citrus fruit in Menton.

What is the history of the Menton Lemon Festival?

Europe’s leading lemon producer Lemon and citrus fruit became part of the festivities in 1929. Menton was then the first lemon producer in Europe. It was a total success and the following year, the festival spread to the streets of the town, with floats filled with shrubs decorated with oranges and lemons.

When was the first Lemon Festival in Menton France?

1935
Wishing to develop tourism, the municipality sought to give to this new event a typically local colour: The Lemon Festival was born in 1935. One year later, the first exhibition of citrus fruit and flowers was launched in the Biovès gardens.

How long does the Lemon Festival last in France?

Fête du Citron citrus festival in Menton on the Côte d’Azur of citrus, 18 tonnes (39,683 lbs.) of fruit per pattern, 8 km (5 miles) of garlands and 400 participants, over 20 days with a zest of madness, Menton celebrates fruit that made her famous.

When did mentons Lemon Festival start in France?

Princes, artists and even kings flocked to palaces in Menton and all over the French Riviera. Lemon and citrus fruit became part of the festivities in 1929. Menton was then the first lemon producer in Europe. The Hôtel Riviera had the idea of organising an exhibition of flowers and citrus fruits in the gardens of the hotel.

Where is the Lemon Festival on the French Riviera?

Thanks for visiting! The most Italianate and the warmest town on the French Riviera has become famous for the colourful Menton Lemon Festival. This carnival like no other is a major event on the French Riviera. In fact, each Winter it attracts no less than 240,000 spectators in Menton, France.

Where does the Fete du citron take place?

The Fête du Citron is a carnival event organised by the tourist office of the city of Menton, France, and held every year at the end of winter. It is also sometimes called Carnaval de Menton (Carnival of Menton). The festival celebrates the annual production of specialty lemons and other citrus fruit in Menton.

How many people go to the Lemon Festival?

Festival organizers expect about 300,000 people to visit the town during the festival in order to enjoy the parades—featuring larger-than-life-sized figurines made entirely of citrus fruit, a specialty of the region—and other activities. Performances of local folk music and dance also take place during the festival.